Abstract: A surgical apparatus for attaching two portions of cutaneous body tissue includes a pair of opposed elongated jaws having members thereon at one end and which are movable toward each other to a closed position to engage two body tissue portions positioned within the members to move the bodily tissue portions into close approximation. Manually gripping systems of several alternative configurations are provided to actuate a mechanical transmission system to close the jaws. In a preferred embodiment, a fork is movable from a first position to a second position by manually operable devices to move the jaws toward each other. A pair of cam faces is located adjacent the opposite ends of the jaws. As the fork moves to its second position, the tines of the fork engage against the cam faces to move the opposed jaws to their closed position.

Abstract: A peelable sheath includes a sheath formed of a flexible tube having a pair of separation lines arranged longitudinally on radially opposite sides of the tube to form a pair of peelable sheath portions, and a hub connector bonded to the proximal end of the sheath. A pair of wings are bonded to the proximal end of the sheath to faciliate separation. The hub connector and sheath are bonded by a web extending axially from a shoulder of the hub connector and including a pair of web tabs arranged on radially opposite sides of the hub connector. The web tabs are bonded to the sheath across respective separation lines, thereby preventing premature separation of the peelable sheath portions. The web also includes a pair of web support struts, arranged on radially opposite sides of the hub and rotated about 90.degree. relative to the web tabs, that are bonded to the respective wings to prevent premature separation of the hub connector from the sheath.